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Introduction Alcohol rehab is a vital resource for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. It offers a structured environment where individuals can receive the support and treatment they need to overcome their addiction. In this blog, we will explore the various aspects of alcohol rehab and its benefits. What is Alcohol Rehab? Alcohol rehab …
Pastor and others arrested for alleged intimidation at Katlehong school
Police have arrested four people following acts of intimidation and violence at a primary school in Katlehong.
In a video that has gone viral on social media, men with replica firearms and a panga are seen intimidating and harassing learners and teachers.
The police said in a statement on Tuesday that the local pastor, his security personnel and others stormed Matshidiso Primary School on Monday and forcefully took two minor children.
“The four were arrested last night and will appear in the Palm Ridge court in due course. They are facing a variety of charges including assault, handling a firearm recklessly that could endanger lives and property, rendering security services while not registered, malicious damage to property and intimidation,” said the police.
The replica firearm and the pangas have been confiscated.
Police said one of the suspects was arrested for assaulting the Station Commander at Katlehong North police station when a group of people was demanding to see the pastor outside the police station.
The Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni says the possibility of police effecting more arrests cannot be ruled out as investigations into the matter continue. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Tue, 08/06/2024 - 10:35
Introduction Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable energy solution. With the growing concern for the environment and rising energy costs, many people are considering solar panels for sale as a viable option. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of solar panels and why they are a smart investment. Understanding …
[Listen to Kevin Mileham MP – DA Spokesperson on Electricity and Energy Speak on This] Dear Editor The DA has today written to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, requesting that Parliament holds a debate of national importance on the rapidly rising cost of electricity which is becoming increasingly unaffordable for many South …
Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, 5 August 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) is venturing beyond road construction on the N2 Wild Coast Road Project, including introducing training for junior chefs, among its non-engineering interventions. The N2 Wild Coast Road project, a R20-billion initiative, is more than just a road construction endeavour, …
WesBank has added residential solar finance to its offerings, extending its product mix beyond vehicle and leisure finance solutions and giving personal clients in South Africa access to a credit facility to finance the installation of solar solutions at their homes. Depending on their affordability level and credit score, customers can qualify for WesBank solar …
The town of Paarl remains draped in Maroon, Green and Yellow as Paarl Gimansium reign supreme 30 points to 8 over cross town rivals Paarl Boys High in a historic Premier Interschools Derby at the Faure Street Stadium. In the heart of Paarl, where the mountains cast their long shadows over the fields, two titans …
Under One Roof (www.UnderOneRoof.co.za), is an entirely new concept set to solve some of the most frustrating problems encountered with other property listing websites. It introduces a homeownership resource-concentrated hub that not only presents properties for rent or sale - which uniquely also assists its clients to complete a transfer to a new owner - but also incorporates offerings that empower homeowners to make well-informed decisions about their lifestyle.
Simultaneously, Under One Roof heralds the entry of a new female real estate CEO, Lynne Krawchuk, who is set to change the traditionally heavily-male dominated property executive clique. Her decades of experience as a marketing professional give Under One Roof the edge when it comes to converting website visitors to loyal clients, putting their needs and wants ahead of merely presenting a search engine of listings.
“We are going to completely change the way properties are showcased,” says Krawchuk. “We will reveal the power of delivering an innovative property ecosystem that will optimise anyone's property journey, be that the property practitioner or agency, the buyer, seller, or renter.”
Under One Roof is something not yet seen before on existing South African property platforms, where listings and advice remain unsupported by other digital marketing strategies, and which are not catering to the different demographic markets.
“This is likely due to complacency by the dominant few property-listing players who have amassed a following due to their monopoly. As such they have created an uneven playing field that restricts the marketing efforts of, particularly, the small-, micro-, and medium-sized property players who are further compromised by the prevailing challenge of diminishing property prices and weakened purchasing power of consumers,” says Krawchuk.
The key differentiator with Under One Roof is its functionality and pricing plan. Krawchuk explains that all users, be those buyers, sellers, renters, landlords, developers, or property practitioners, are provided with a unique login aligned to their own customised backend dashboard.
“Here they can access in-depth data relevant to individual listed properties, be that municipal charges or alternative power and water solutions. Buyers and renters will be able to download walk-through video's and monitor listings they are interested in for an easy revisit or comparison.”
Estate agents and private listers will be able to monitor the number of visitors to their listings, update, and edit details, and can avail of either a three- or six-month subscription per listing with a unique twist. “If the property is sold before the subscription expires, the outstanding months of the package can be transferred to another property listing, provided the first property sale is proven. We can even upload listings if that is preferred, at no charge,” explains Krawchuk.
For buyers, especially those who either do not fully comprehend the property purchase journey or are frustrated by the number of steps in the process, Under One Roof offers to source bond origination, bridging finance, rate clearance certificates and assistance with the transfer. “This feature alone responds to an undeniably underserved market, more specifically first-time home buyers and millennials who prefer to engage a full-range service.”
The Under One Roof customer-centric approach is also going to present as a novelty, for while technology may be driving the platform, AI chatbots are not a feature. “Our research indicates that customers prefer having a human respond to online or email queries. We acknowledge that while today's customers are considered as ‘smart consumers' who may be familiar with the digital realm, chatbots have no empathy, are unable to solve critical problems, and tend to aggravate users who may have a unique request.”
As Under One Roof grows, so too will the breadth of the platform. “Beyond the necessary features, we are concentrating on targeted demographics, where demands differ in terms of cultural and locality preferences,” says Krawchuk. “For example, in the future we will be presenting neighbourhood video visits hosted by a typical resident, and guidance manuals and features that highlight lifestyle choices. Commercial and retail properties will also be introduced.
“We believe that Under One Roof is the most intelligent, powerful, transparent, and streamlined real estate game-changer since property listings went online in the late 90s,” emphasises Krawchuk. “The team at Under One Roof is intentional about manifesting change in the market by filling the gaps that have been prevalent for too long. And, while others may think we are a disruptor, we disagree! We prefer to think of ourselves as renegades by challenging the existing, staid, and unadventurous status quo.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Under One Roof.
About Under One Roof:
Under One Roof (www.UnderOneRoof.co.za) is reinventing the property listing experience by delivering a one-to-one personalisation online platform for agents, buyers, sellers, and renters. It has developed a unique South African approach to all thing's property-focused, including lifestyle, with its presentation of a combination of digital and human interactions. Under One Roof is a compelling property hub that speaks to, and inspires, a new generation of property stakeholders.
Headquarters: Pretoria, South Africa
For more information, please visit our website: www.UnderOneRoof.co.za
Swaragano, a non-profit organisation founded by Sanny Mashigo, has been making a profound difference in the Alexandra community of Johannesburg. Known affectionately as Mama Sanny, she has spent over three decades selling food on the streets and sharing leftovers with local children. This spirit of giving led to the creation of Swaragano in April 2020, …
Mental health and mental illness are often used interchangeably, yet they are distinct concepts. Mental health refers to our overall psychological well-being, encompassing our emotions, thoughts, and feelings, and it affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. In contrast, mental illness involves diagnosable conditions that impact a person’s thinking, emotional state, …
Datacentrix, a leading hybrid IT systems integrator and managed services provider, is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the next iteration of its iconic Showcase event on Thursday 22 August 2024 at Montecasino in Johannesburg. The event is proudly supported by Diamond sponsor, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). The full-day event promises a vibrant …
The deaf rugby series continues this week at St Stithians College in Randburg, Joburg
Former Lotteries boss wants to stop probe launched by President Ramaphosa
Lawyers against Abuse director says they are now able to provide counselling sessions without the constant noise of the generator
Eskom delivering 'exceptional' performance but Minister remains cautious
Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has warned that although Eskom has delivered exceptional performance to keep load shedding at bay, the country is “not out of the woods yet”.
The country has not experienced load shedding for at least 130 days – a feat last achieved some four years ago.
“[Eskom CEO Dan] Marokane and the Eskom team have done exceptionally well. So over the past week [the week of July 22]…Eskom has averaged 70% of EAF [Energy Availability Factor]. When I say EAF, I’m talking about…the rate at which these units are failing and also the degree to which they approximate their design capacity.
“The same period last year…we were going through a period of load shedding and I had said to the country ‘short term pain for long term gain’. The same period last year, we were sitting at about 55% EAF. This is phenomenal. I want to emphasise, we are not out of the woods yet but the team is doing exceptionally well,” he said at a recent media briefing.
He highlighted another milestone reached by the power utility in July.
“The 23rd of July was a day to celebrate because for the first time since 2018, we had availability of 35 000MW plus.
“The last time we had seen this was the 16th of July 2018. This is phenomenal, it is a confirmation that the strategy adopted by the board is working and we are going to stay at it and ensure that we are able to deliver the kind of performance that is required,” he said.
The Minister singled out improved performance at some six power stations, which he said, had reached at least 70% EAF.
“Kusile and Medupi [power stations] are expected to be in that category because they are some of our newest power stations. But I think what is encouraging us is that, consistently, Matla and Matimba [power stations] are there in that category.
“There’s an intra-station competition which is very healthy for the purposes of driving this EAF,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 10:17
Two more Mpox cases recorded in Gauteng and KZN
The Department of Health has called for ongoing public vigilance against Mpox disease as two more laboratory-confirmed infections have been detected in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
According to the department, the recent cases come 26 days after the last cases of Mpox were reported in South Africa.
This means that the total number of cases stand at 24, of which 12 were reported in Gauteng, 11 in KwaZulu-Natal and one in the Western Cape.
Meanwhile, the number of deaths linked to the disease remains three.
According to data, the latest case is a 36-year-old man from KwaZulu-Natal who was admitted at a local public health facility in Durban late in July after he experienced an Mpox-like rash along with fatigue, muscle pain and rigour.
“The patient has no international travel history,” the department explained.
The Gauteng case involves a 20-year-old man seen at a private health facility in Johannesburg on Friday, 2 August.
“The case presented with typical Mpox lesions. He confirmed his international travel history to Peru in South America. It is uncertain if the exposure occurred in Peru or South Africa.”
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) multi-country Mpox outbreak, Peru is among the countries with a high number of positive cases in the Americas region.
The department said contact tracing and monitoring activities are ongoing in the affected communities in both provinces.
It urged all the identified contacts to cooperate with health officials during contact tracing for screening and possible diagnosis to prevent further transmission of this preventable and treatable disease.
Meanwhile, as per data, of the 22 cases recorded between 8 May and 6 July, 19 of them have fully recovered.
“All people with suspected symptoms are reminded to visit the nearest healthcare facility right away for clinical evaluation, diagnosis and treatment options, instead of self-diagnosing and isolation.”
In addition, the department confirmed the arrival of another batch of Tecovirimat, also known as TPOXX, donated by the WHO as part of ongoing support to the country’s response efforts to this preventable and manageable disease. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 11:00
Gary Trappler fails in bid to have malicious damage to property case struck off the roll
Operation Shanela nets over 13 000 suspects
Police have, through their high-density operations known as Operation Shanela, arrested 13 996 suspects throughout the country over the course of this past week.
Through detectives and crime intelligence tracing operations, roadblocks as well as stop and searches, police said they have taken a “bold and decisive approach” in protecting the communities that they serve.
The operations, which take place across the country, are led by the Provincial Commissioner of each province.
The following arrests were made:
• 4 065 wanted suspects for crimes such as murder, rape, possession of illegal firearms and business robberies;
• 106 suspects for murder;
• 150 suspects for attempted murder;
• 182 suspects for rape, 80 of them were arrested in the province of KwaZulu-Natal;
• 134 suspects for being in the illegal possession of firearms, 66 of them were arrested in the Eastern Cape;
• 582 suspects for the illegal dealing in liquor, 262 of these arrests were effected in KwaZulu-Natal, and
• 240 drug dealers.
Police said assault grievous bodily harm continues to register a large number of arrests, with 1 372 suspects arrested.
A total of 158 firearms were confiscated during operations, 47 of these firearms were confiscated during police operations in KwaZulu-Natal.
“This is the second consecutive week in which police in KZN recover a high number of firearms. In the week from 21 July to 27 July 2024, the province seized 40 firearms,” SAPS said.
Also, 1 448 rounds of ammunition were confiscated and 74 hijacked and stolen vehicles were recovered during the week’s operations.
“Two kidnappers were arrested and 90 undocumented Ethiopian nationals were rescued from a suspected human trafficking ring in Johannesburg.
“The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the Hawks, in the Eastern Cape shot and killed five cash-in-transit [heist] suspects, while three suspects were arrested during a tracing operation.
“R300 million worth of drugs suspected to be crystal meth were seized in Fourways, Johannesburg. In the same operation, a kidnapped businessman was rescued and eight kidnappers were arrested.
“Counterfeit goods worth R7 million were seized in Fordsburg and Dragon City in Johannesburg.
“KwaZulu-Natal police intercepted criminals involved in serious and violent crime across the province, including suspects wanted for murders, armed robberies and hijackings. During arrests, police were confronted by heavy gunfire. Two police officers were injured and hospitalised, while more than 10 suspects were fatally wounded.”
The SAPS said police would continue with their operations and stamp the authority of the State to ensure the safety and security of all people living in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 13:18
Minister acknowledges need for women to be equitably represented
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has committed to ensure that women’s emancipation remains one of the department’s key focus areas, in line with government’s constitutional responsibility to protect, promote and advance the rights of women in all areas of the economy.
Briefing media on departmental plans and priorities for 2024/25 in Boksburg on Monday, Majodina said as the country celebrates 30 years of freedom and democracy this year, the month of August serves as an opportunity for the water sector to reflect on how women, in particular, are affected by a lack of access to clean water and safe sanitation.
“Women normally bear the brunt of the burden of fetching water from afar when they do not have access to clean running water. There is an ongoing need to ensure that women are equitably represented in the sector and have access to opportunities that are available in the sector,” Majodina said.
Community outreach programmes
Majodina said the department will be undertaking community outreach programmes to educate communities to understand that the provision of water services falls under the municipalities’ roles and responsibilities.
This follows numerous calls and messages received by the department, where the public, including local provincial leaders, share their challenges with water and sanitation service delivery at local level.
Among the challenges reported include lack of access to water, sewage pollution, and disruptions in water supply for various reasons.
According to the Minister, the callers do not seem to understand that the provision of water services is the responsibility of municipalities, not the national Department of Water and Sanitation.
“It will be a priority for us to correct this misunderstanding and to encourage communities and community leaders to hold their municipalities accountable for the delivery of water and sanitation services.
“When we receive calls related to the responsibilities of the national department or the water boards, we ensure that these issues are dealt with.
“The first point of call for residents to raise issues regarding municipal water and sanitation services must be their municipalities. However, when we receive calls related to water and sanitation services which are the responsibility of municipalities, we refer these to the relevant municipalities to resolve,” Majodina said.
Majodina reiterated that only the municipalities can resolve these issues, and “the national department cannot do maintenance or repairs to municipal infrastructure on behalf of a municipality”.
The call centre number where the department receives complaints and queries about all aspects of water and sanitation in the country is 0800 200 200.
Highlighting the department’s activities during its first 30 days, Majodina said the department has presented the Budget Vote Policy Statement for the 2024/2025 financial year to Parliament, followed by a series of appearances before various parliamentary committees.
READ I Majodina commits to improving water, sanitation services
“In addition, we have also met and had robust engagements with our seven water boards on their plans, the projects they are undertaking, and the challenges they face in their effort to provide potable bulk water services to their customers, who are municipalities and industries within their areas of service,” Majodina said.
Increase in water demand
While South Africa is one of the 30 most water-scarce countries in the world, Majodina said the consumption of water is 218 litres per capita per day, compared to the international average of 173 litres per capita per day.
“We have already captured 75% of the available surface water in dams, and the remaining opportunities for capturing surface water are expensive. At the same time, the demand for water in South Africa is increasing, as a result of population growth and economic growth.
“The average national access to at least an RDP level of water service has increased from approximately 60% in 1994 to approximately 90% currently. This is a major achievement,” Majodina said.
RDP or higher service levels are regarded as tapped (safe) water through a communal stand pipe within 200 metres from the dwelling, water in the yard or water in the dwelling. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 13:21
Public servants urged to enrol for gender awareness courses
Public Service and Administration Minister, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, has invited public servants to enrol for gender awareness courses at the National School of Government (NSG) to advance women’s socio-economic rights while promoting their safety and security.
This, according to the department, is part of marking National Women’s Month which South Africa commemorates annually in August.
This year the country marks National Women’s Month under the theme: Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom Towards Women’s Development.
READ | SA commemorates Women's Month
Buthelezi has urged public servants at national, provincial and local government to enrol for courses at the NSG as one of the institutions that plays critical role in promoting women’s development and well-being in the public sector and society in general.
The NSG offers a suite of courses promoting gender awareness and gendered policy making.
Some of the courses offered are:
The Minister added that government needs to work harder to raise consciousness within the public sector and urged both men and women to enrol for the courses.
“We need to promote a positive attitude and awareness amongst those delivering services at the coalface.
“Staff in government facilities such as small business development centres, social security offices, police stations, courts, hospitals and municipal offices need to ensure that women are treated with respect and dignity.
“They need to understand that women’s rights are human rights, and that equality is a constitutional right for all. The NSG training equips public servants to gain consciousness that will enable them to deliver services in a more informed and gender-sensitive manner.”
Minister Buthelezi encouraged public servants to also take advantage of the courses to empower themselves with the knowledge and skills to fight the scourge through policy making, implementation and the day-to-day work of providing government services.
“Our country sadly faces the scourge of gender-based violence and women are at the receiving end. Many women have lost their lives while many face abuse, harassment and attacks. Survivors and their families need to find responsive and caring public servants in hospitals, police stations and welfare services.”
For enrolment, departments should contact the NSG on contactcentre@thensg.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 14:02
In 2024, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is set to further elevate the runner’s experience in Tshwane and Joburg by welcoming the Gautrain as the Official Transport Partner. The events in Tshwane and Joburg will take place in the vibrant cities on Sunday, 25 August 2024, and Tuesday, 24 September 2024, respectively. “We are …
The 2024 Parkview Potjiekos competition was a huge success, and initial figures suggest that we sold almost 2000 meals and raised over R200,000. This is great news as all the proceeds go toward the Nicarela beneficiary charities. Daneel Jordaan, the chairman of Nicarela said: “This event shows the power of community. We are immensely grateful …
DWS priorities completion of bucket eradication projects
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says it will prioritise the completion of the remaining delayed Bucket Eradication Programme projects in the Northern Cape and the Free State.
Briefing the media on the department’s plans and priorities for the 2024/25 financial year on Monday, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina said of the 33 projects which formed part of the programme in the Free State, 26 have been completed (eradicating approximately 32 000 buckets).
“Approximately 10 000 buckets remain to be eradicated in the seven incomplete projects. Of 30 projects which formed part of the programme in the Northern Cape, 29 are completed (eradicating approximately 12 000 buckets), and 596 buckets remain to be eradicated in the one incomplete project,” Majodina said.
However, the Minister acknowledged that the programme will not result in the eradication of the “undignified” and “repugnant” bucket system altogether from the South African landscape. This is because the programme only focuses on eradicating buckets in certain towns in certain provinces, where they were identified in 2012.
She said since then, and on an ongoing basis, other municipalities elsewhere have introduced buckets systems in formal and informal settlements.
“The eradication of buckets is therefore a moving target. In order to address this, Cabinet has recently approved a National Sanitation Framework which will provide the basis for the department to issue new national minimum norms and standards for sanitation which will prohibit the use of the bucket system in both formal and informal settlements,” Majodina said.
Working together with the Water Research Commission, the department is developing new safe, dignified, on-site and non-sewered sanitation systems.
“These solutions will use much less water than water-borne sewered sanitation systems, which is necessary in a water scarce country such as South Africa. Such systems will need to be implemented by municipalities.”
Strengthening partnerships
The Minister added that the Ministry of Water and Sanitation will continue to collaborate with all sectors, especially the private sector, to contribute to resolving the country’s water and sanitation challenges.
This is in line with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to strengthen collaboration and social compacts with the private sector, labour, civil society and government.
In addition to partnerships with mining houses for water supply projects, the department is also facilitating partnerships between the private sector and municipalities, through its Water Partnerships Office, which was established in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
This includes finalising plans with the eThekwini, Mangaung, Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay, and Tshwane municipalities to mobilise private sector finance for the replacement of leaking municipal water distribution pipes which are resulting in high levels of non-revenue water.
Water Services Amendment Bill
Meanwhile, the department will shortly be presenting the Water Services Amendment Bill to Cabinet for approval for it to be submitted to Parliament.
Majodina noted that despite the high level of support provided by the department to the municipalities, the municipal water and sanitation services continue to decline.
She said the Amendment Bill provides for the introduction of an operating license system for Water Services Providers, to enable Water Services Authorities to ensure that their providers have a minimum level of capability to provide water and sanitation services that meet national norms and standards.
“The amendments propose that this should be done through the introduction of an operating license requirement for Water Services Providers, to ensure that they have a minimum level of competency.
“The Bill also introduces measures to enable the national department to take regulatory action against municipalities which do not comply with national minimum norms and standards for water services,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 14:23
Johannesburg – 5 August 2024 – Siyavela Impact, a newly-founded nonprofit company aiming to connect and support changemakers from across the sectors of Corporate Social Investment (CSI), nonprofits (NPO/NPC) and grassroots development projects, will host its global online launch on Thursday, 8 August. Siyavela Impact’s online launch will introduce the inspiration, ethos and value of …
